Zee's package upset the cable fraternity

Zee’s decision to price its entire bouquet at Rs 30 from June 1, has upset the cable fraternity. So far, no other television broadcaster has touched the Rs 30 level. The Independent operators, who are likely to feel the impact of the price hike the most, make up for about 20 per cent of the industry.

The reason why the cable industry feels the pinch, is that subscribers refuse to pay more towards monthly subscription. And, if channels keep increasing their subscription fees, the numbers of independent operators are likely to decline further as operators would be unable to absorb the price hike.

Independent operators recommends introduction of the conditional access system (CAS) or the addressable system, as it is better knows as, so that the cable industry is able to garner greater revenues from the pay stream.